THE WASHINGTON ELM.
This tree still stands at Cambridge, Mass. It is on Garden street, a short distance from the colleges, and is a large, well-preserved tree! An iron fence is built around it, and on a stone in front is the following inscription: “ Under this tree George Washington took command of the American Army, July 3, 1775.”
Beneath our consecrated elm
A century ago he stood
Famed vaguely for that old fight in the wood
Whose red surge sought, but could not overwhelm
The life foredoomed to wield our rough-hewn helm:
*****
Firmly erect, he towered above them all,
The incarnate discipline that was to free
With iron curb that armed democracy.
Gratefully cherish our Washington’s name.
Grand is the tribute ensured him by Fame.
